AirDroid

AirDroid is the ultimate multi-screen app. While it doesn’t mirror your device, it gives you desktop access to most of the common features on your phone. And you don’t even need to create an account to use it.

To get started, point your desktop browser to web.airdroid.com. A window will pop up containing a QR code. Launch AirDroid on your phone, hit the Scan icon at the top of the screen, and scan the code. Next, tap Sign In (even without an account), and you’re connected. It’s that easy.

The AirDroid web interface resembles a desktop and looks great if you switch to fullscreen mode. Available apps and functions are shown as icons on the left, while tools and info about your phone are on the right. At the top is a panel that you can use to search for apps, make calls, set alarms, and so on.

AirDroid Features

The first thing to note about AirDroid is that you cannot use it with third-party apps. The Apps icon enables you to install and uninstall apps, and nothing else.

But that’s the only major limitation. There is a ton of functionality elsewhere.

A few features do require an account, and some are limited on the free version. AirDroid Premium is a subscription service priced at $1.99 per month (or less if you sign up for one or two years in advance). All but power users should find the free option to be enough.

Vysor

For full control over your Android phone on your desktop, the best option is currently Vysor. This Chrome app25 Unique Chrome Apps That Are Unusually Useful25 Unique Chrome Apps That Are Unusually UsefulThere are so many unique, off-the-wall Chrome extensions that many people would not ever search for, but would actually find unusually useful. Here are just 25 of them.Read More works on any desktop operating system with the Chrome browser installed. It mirrors your phone’s screen on your desktop and enables you to control it with a click and a swipe of your mouse.

Vysor is available in both free and paid versions. The free version is good enough to give you a taste of what’s on offer, but it’s very limited. You’ll see ads, be limited to wired-only connections (the paid version does wireless), and the video quality is low. You would need to upgrade to Vysor Pro if you plan on using it long term.

There’s virtually no setup or configuration process for Vysor. Just install and run the app in Chrome, then connect your phone by following its instructions. The rest happens automatically. An app is pushed to your Android device along the way. If you ever want to uninstall this, you can do so by going to Settings > Apps on your Android device.

Vysor Features

Once complete, you’ll see your phone’s screen mirrored in a window on your desktop. There are handy buttons to take screenshots, record your screen, and control the volume. Everything else can be done with your mouse on the virtual touchscreen.

Because Vysor is a screen-mirroring service, there’s no concern about app compatibility. Anything that runs on your phone will be useable on the desktop. This makes it especially ideal for messaging or typing large amounts of text, and it can replace the Android emulator if you’re a developer. Gaming is also possible, depending on the game. Those that require quick reflexes may be affected by a small amount of lagHow to Fix Gaming & Video Lag With an Easy Router TweakHow to Fix Gaming & Video Lag With an Easy Router TweakTired of network lag when other people are watching videos and downloading torrents? Here's how to reclaim your network performance without any third-party tools.Read More.

Vysor’s a pretty good app, and one worth trying out for yourself. But its cross-platform capability will be short-lived. Google is phasing out support for Chrome apps on Windows, Mac, and Linux in late 2017, and they will stop working in early 2018. However, Chrome apps will continue to work on Chromebooks.

Other Phone-Controlling Apps

There are a few other apps you could look at as well. MightyText and Pushbullet have a similar approach to AirDroid. The former is based mostly around messaging, and the latter is a more expensive option.

In addition, there’s ApowerMirror, a screen mirroring app similar to Vysor. It comes with a standalone app for Windows and Mac, so it could become a good choice when Vysor’s Chrome support comes to an end on those platforms.

But between them, AirDroid and Vysor should be enough to give you everything you need to control your Android phone from your PC. They both enable you to keep using your phone even when it’s still in your pocket. And both are easy enough to set up that they are accessible to all levels of user.

Do you want to control your phone with your PC? What do you use that functionality for? Share your experiences with us in the comments.

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Erick

October 4, 2018 at 2:26 am

I was wondering, is there anyway to make the screen I'm writing on bigger on the PC but not affect the size on my phone? I use a Samsung Note device and I'd love to see the notes I write out on a bigger as to see "the bigger picture" of what I'm composing.

These are ok apps but can you suggest how we can manage file and folder of Mobile from PC ??
Because we want to delete or create, files/video /folder in mobile from PC . Even we want to copy files or folder from Mobile to pc just like other network pc , is it possible ??
I think you understood me , my basic concern is can we get mobile access as like other pc on network also .

I'm looking for complete control of my phone. I want to be able to access my apps as well as calls and texts. I've looked at all that's been recommended here and but for buying the j5create
cord none of these do that. TeamViewer, and Soti are basically for meetings, MightyText, LazyDroid, and Airdroid are much the same but for notifications with Airdroid. Droid VNC server reqires a rooted phone Reviews on Wondershare read "ITS A SCAM!"... so, whew! any other suggestions to try?? Basically, I want to see my phone screen on my pc and have it function like I'm holding it in my hand.

I'm kinda sad bc I used to use mobizen for this, but for some reason it changed within the last year and now I need to unlock my phone in order to use it the same way. really bummed out. let me know if you find anything

SlickManage does a great job of managing multiple phones from a single website.
All you have to do is install the app on all your android devices and you get to control them all from your computer! it's pretty neat.

I absolutely love Mightytext. I have been using it since the beta days back when another tech site did a promo for it and gave out beta keys. It has come a LONG way since then. Used to be you can only use it through the Google chrome add on but now you can use the web interface and it has gotten many facelifts including a recent one that will sync your pics for you as well when you take them. The other options you suggested sound great as well but I don't need that much control. Mightytext has definitely saved me tons of time allowing me to respond within seconds instead of having to pick up your phone and type out a reply which can take a lot longer. Add that up over the few years its been out and I know its saved me hours of wasted time.

These apps save you a lot of time if you use your phone a lot when in front of your computer. If you don't have a job then you have plenty of free time so don't care about wasting time using your small phone screen and slow phone keyboard to do things...

Andy is a former print journalist and magazine editor who has been writing about technology for 15 years. In that time he has contributed to countless publications and produced copywriting work for large tech companies. He has also provided expert comment for the media and hosted panels at industry events.